He Sees What You See

 

Tony (our youth minister) and I were watching a 2 minute video online of a professional mountain biker who had a GoPro Hero Cam mounted on his helmet.  With this helmet cam we are able to see the same things from the same way that the rider could see.  So the rider is riding really fast down the hills doing flips and tricks along tall cliffs and dangerous rocks, and we can see everything from the rider’s perspective.  On the video we can hear the rider being excited and happy, and yet Tony and I were watching the same thing and we were saying things like “this guy is nuts, he is crazy, and that is so scary.”  The helmet cam gave me and Tony the same view as the rider but we went away with a completely different perspective of what just happened.  The rider was happy and excited and we were concerned and horrified.  I wonder if that is how God sees things in our lives.  He is able to see the things we look at, participate in, and strive for.  He sees what we see, but does He see those things in the same way?  I think too often we do things and we see those things as harmless, and yet God sees the same thing and is horrified and concerned that His children walk such a dangerous and sinful path.  We are blessed in that we can enter the thoughts of God by reading His Word, by which we begin to see things the way God sees them.  The more we enter His Word we begin to see things differently and in doing so we begin to see everything according to His perspective rather than our own perspective.

Vic

Campfire Story

The following is from a camp fire devotional I gave at camp this past Thursday night.  So as you read, imagine you are 8 years old sitting around the campfire in the deep dark woods of Central Florida Bible Camp.  And yes, there were bears nearby!

 

CFBC Campfire Devo

 

Campfire Story: It was a night like this…

Darker than dark (you couldn’t see anything!)

We were at camp playing capture the flag. 

We had flashlights, but we didn’t want to use them because we were being stealthy (we didn’t want to be seen; we were like spies going into enemy territory, so we stayed in the dark)

My job was to try to capture people from the other team; once they crossed the line into our area we could tag them and put them in our team jail. 

So in the darkness I could hear someone coming closer to me.  It was the other team.   I just knew it, so I stayed still. I was so quiet (quiet as a mouse).  I allowed for the noise to get closer, waiting till it got right next to me before I jumped out to capture them.  So they got closer and closer and closer… and finally I jumped out and said “gotcha” as I turned on the flashlight.  And what I found on the other side of that flashlight was not a member of the other team, it was not another kid, but a giant deer filled with pointy antlers all pointing toward me.   You know what I did next?

I screamed “aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhahhhhhhhh”!  And the deer went “aghhhhhhahhhhhhh!  (I actually have no idea if the deer made a noise because I was too busy screaming.)  It was scary!   I took off running through the woods as fast as I could go.

 

I tell you the story because when you are out in the deep dark woods, you have no idea what you will run into.  Monsters, bears, deer, it could be anything.

There is another kind of darkness; the kind of darkness that encourages us to lie, to say mean things, to cheat, or do any number of evil things.  That darkness is something that God has called us to stay away from.  We are called out of darkness and into the light. Notice what Jesus said in John 12:35…

“35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:35-36 NIV

 

Jesus has called you to be with Him, because He is the light.  If we have him in our lives we will never be defeated by the darkness.  With Him (with His light) we will be able to defeat sin and temptation every day!  When we belong to God, we know that we are not alone; that no matter how dark life gets; we have Jesus in our lives, we have His light to guide us thru the darkness.  - Vic

The BIBLE

We have been watching the video series “The BIBLE” throughout the summer.  We started with God creating the world in Genesis.  All that God made was good. God is good all the time; His purpose and will is very good. And yet we quickly see how man has a way of ignoring the good that God makes.  By ignoring God we create destruction and death.  The Bible is filled with God’s promises to His people whether it was to Abraham or Moses we see how each time God kept His promises to His people.  The further we go through scripture the more God promises are not meant just for people thousands of years ago but for us today.  As John wrote so beautifully nearly 2000 years ago “For God so loved the world that He gave is only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”.  These words of promise are meant for all of us, they are words of promise and fulfillment all in one verse.  The video series we have watched on Sunday nights is not perfect and has its flaws and yet it also proclaims God’s great love for you and me.  Many people who watch this series will have many questions. Therefore as the world watches this series we have been given an opportunity to open the Bible and answer those questions with God’s perfect Word.  It is my hope God will give us more opportunities to proclaim His great love.  -Vic

Darkness & Reverence

“2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:2-5 NIV

 

The electricity went out after a massive ice storm hit Texas back when I was about 8 years old.  We lived out in the country, and each night the power was out, it was pitch black.  I couldn’t find anything because of the darkness.  It was so dark that I bumped and bloodied myself several times, because I couldn’t see anything.  I began to move differently in the darkness. I learned something from the darkness.  So that I would not fall down stairs or bump into walls, I had to reach out to find something that would guide me.  The darkness taught me to REACH OUT.

What if all of this that we see in this world is actually just darkness?   What if all of the pain that happens in life is part of that darkness? What if all of the trials, hurts, and sicknesses are also part of the darkness? 

If that is so, then the darkness has taught us to reach out to the one thing that is real; the only thing that can guide through the darkness.  What if the darkness teaches us to reach out for God? 

I learned something about reverence from the darkness; no matter how bad it gets or how dark life gets, fear of God teaches us to never give up on Him, and we never stop reaching out to Him. – Vic

FEAR THIS…

As Christians, we have chosen to follow the unusual rather than the accepted path of the world.  Jesus said…

“13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-4 NIV

The truth is that following God is unusual; it’s not the norm.  In the verse you just read Jesus said that living for God is the way of the few.  It is not the norm.  Most people do not follow the Bible or respect God, or fear God.  I want to share with you two conflicting truths:

The first truth is that it’s impossible for the world (for people) to survive & thrive without God. 

The second truth is that it is normal for people to try and live without God and the Bible.  Which means most people will not survive their sin, nor will they enjoy the blessings of that eternal love relationship that we can have with Him.

I’m not saying this because I want to be part of some exclusive group or church.  I’m just stating a sad reality; it’s just not the norm for people to live for God.  And here is why I think that is the case… Most people do not fear God. 

What I mean by “fear” is that they do not respect God; they do not appreciate that God loves them and wants to save them.  Without God, we are in trouble.  God is our only hope!  I heard a story about a first grader who stood up in front of his class to give his very first speech, “What I Want To Be When I Grow Up.” He said, “I’m going to be a lion tamer and have lots of fierce lions. I’ll walk into the cage and they will roar.” He paused for a moment, thinking through what he just said, then added, “But of course I’ll have my Mommy with me.”  Children are brave when their parents are around, but when a child feels lost or alone, they get scared.  Why?  Because they believe that the only hope they have, the only place that is safe is with mom and dad.  They have godly fear of their parents.  The fear I’m talking about is about having an appreciation of that special relationship that a child has with his or her parents.  That fear drives them to stay near to parents, to want to please their parents, and to obey their parents.  If we can learn to fear God the way a child fears their parents, it means we have found that small gate, that narrow road, that path too few people choose to follow.  If we fear God, we will joyfully follow that wonderful and unusual journey that leads to life. 

- Vic

Mayan Ruins of Chacchoben

We recently went on a Disney cruise.  One of the places we went was to the Mayan Ruins of Chacchoben not far from Costa Maya, Mexico.    This ancient Mayan city was huge, and we had so much fun walking around it.  That is why my children are smiling in the picture.  But as I was walking around the ruins of this ancient city, I tried to imagine how one of the ancient Mayans would have felt seeing their city now in ruins.  Imagine

if one of the ancient Mayans who had built that city had been transported by a time machine into the future; what would that be like for them?   I believe that if they saw the remains of this once great city, they would cry because all they would see would be the broken building, temples, and pyramids.  Their once great city is now just ruins.  Imagine coming home from a trip to find your house broken and in ruins.  It would be a test of faith.  Isaiah prophesied about moments like that, in which God’s people were too busy focusing on the ruins of their city to even notice the wonderful things God was doing for them.  In Isaiah 52:9 the people were not only described as living in the ruins but they themselves were actually called ruins.

 

“8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy.
       When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.

 9 Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.

 10 The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”  Isaiah 52:8-10 NIV

 

Even though the people are called ruins in Isaiah 52:9, they are called not to weep but to rejoice on the rebuilding power of God.  The prophecy of Isaiah 52 is not one of destruction but one of redemption and comfort.  God can take that which has been broken and rebuild it into something greater.  That is what God does for us through Jesus.  Through Him, we are no longer broken ruins.  We are rebuilt into the image of Christ with the full power of God working for our good.  So don’t dwell on the brokenness (the ruins) of your past.  That will only bring sorrow and hopelessness.  Instead focus your attention on the one who builds you up who with His mighty power transforms us into people who overcome our past and praise Him always for the victory found in Christ Jesus.  -Vic

He is Alive!

My father in-law was in the Navy for more than 20 years.  He served his country proudly.  I have heard many “back in the day” Navy stories from him over the years, and I enjoyed hearing them all.  We were at his place celebrating Memorial Day enjoying delicious BBQ ribs when he got a text on his phone.  The text was from a friend saying, “Thank you for your service.  Happy Memorial Day.” My father in-law got several other texts just like that one.  He laughed and said, “You know, I get these texts and calls every Memorial Day and yet I get nothing on Veteran’s Day”.  Memorial Day is a day we remember those who served and died for our country.  Veteran’s Day is a day we remember those (many of whom are still living) who served our country in the armed forces.  His thought was, “I’m still here.  I’m not dead.  I’m still here with you.  Why do you associate me with a holiday for those who have died and not think of me on a holiday for those who are alive?”  He brings up a good point.  We sometimes get things mixed up, especially the purpose of things. 

 Sometimes we think of Christ as one who has died.  Not just died, but who is still dead.  We do not serve a dead savior; we serve a risen savior.  He is alive!  That changes the context of things doesn’t it?  If Jesus Christ is alive, we should think of Him as alive.  Our faith should come alive; our boldness in Him should come alive.  So let's go and live our faith!  

- Vic

Let’s Agree to Agree

“1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:1-3_NIV

In Philippians 4 the Apostle Paul is about to confront two women who are fighting. We don’t know anything about Eudia or Syntyche or the cause of their feud. They may have been prominent women in the church. To the Apostle Paul who they were and what they were feuding over didn’t matter. Instead, he pleads with each woman to stop fighting and reconcile. What’s interesting is that Paul confronts these two women in a letter that is to be read to the whole church. Apparently, their fighting and division had become a serious matter that affected the entire church. Paul does not tell us what the problem is, because what’s important is the solution. When we read Philippians 4:1, we get the idea that not only will we face conflict, but that we will not always agree with each other. Surprised? Not really. We all know that we will not always agree on everything; we will have disagreements. The real surprise in this verse is that Paul says the solution is very simple. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we do need to agree on Jesus. Paul is saying that whatever happens does not matter. He is also saying the conflict itself does not matter. However what does matter is that we are both connected to Jesus. Apparently, Paul believed that conflicts and divisions, no matter what they were, could be resolved if both parties could connect with the truth and grace of Jesus Christ. The kicker is that Paul is not telling these women to agree on everything or for there to be a winner and a loser in the dispute. He just says agree on Jesus, focus on Him, and continue to focus on kingdom work. That if they (and we) would do such things that we would stop fighting and start uniting. To God be the glory. -Vic

change in your circumstances

The following is from the March 23, 1992 issue of Newsweek in their “Perspectives” section, page 21. Someone in the Department of Social Services in Greenville County, South Carolina mindlessly adapted a form letter and sent the following communication to a dead person:

 

“Your food stamps will be stopped effective March 1992, because we have received notice that you passed away. May God bless you. You may reapply if there is a change in your circumstances.” 

 

That article is both funny and sad. I like the part from the form letter that said they could reapply if they have a change of circumstances. What would be a dead person’s change of circumstance? Until Christ comes, there is no change. And if there was, they would still never need food stamps again. This poorly thought out letter gives me a hopeful thought; that through Jesus we can have a change of circumstances. That’s a good thing.  If you haven’t noticed, this world is filled with sorrow, pain, and death. Without Jesus those circumstances are the only ones we have to look forward to. But with Jesus, we can look forward to a wonderful change of circumstance; one that does not include pain, sorrow, death, or even food stamps.

The END…

“31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:31-33 NIV

Have you seen any meteors or asteroids lately? They happen. An asteroid got uncomfortably close to the earth this past weekend as well as a meteor shower on Friday. Some of us say, "Cool."That would be those of us who did not have meteors crash nearby. Others of us get a little uncomfortable, because we don’t like the idea of giants rocks crashing down on our heads. Then there are others, people who hear about these things and think of it as a sign of the end of the world.

One day the world will end, and one day your world will end (your life will end). Maybe both events will be at the same time; who knows? Either way, isn’t it a waste of time to speculate when the end will be when we already know that the end will happen? It’s like speculating who will win a football game. We can speculate all day long, but until the game is played you will not know who will win the game until it happens. Rather than exhaust ourselves in speculation over the world’s end, let’s use our time and energy to make the most of it all. As God’s people our focus is not to be on the end of life, our focus should be on having a life that connects with our Lord each day. Jesus said “Be on guard” not to cause us to speculate over the end, but to encourage us to use our time wisely, to find joy in the Lord, and to be a help to others. So if you see a meteor headed your way, it wouldn’t hurt to duck (take cover); and while you are down there, use that time to pray. To connect with the Lord who will one day return. - Vic

courage

Take notice of the following names: Moses, Joshua, Rahab, David, Solomon, Esther, Hezekiah, Peter, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Timothy, and Paul.  These names are just a few of the many heroes of faith we find throughout the Bible.  Could you imagine having to remind Joshua the great warrior and leader he needed to stay focused and be courageous?  Who has more courage than Joshua?  Consider the apostle Paul.  He was a man who was willing to preach the truth to those who had the power and the desire to kill him.  Who has more courage than Paul?

We look back at these amazing men and women of faith and courage, who were willing to stand up for the will of God no matter the odds.  We forget that they too were afraid.  They too needed to be reminded often to be courageous and strong in the Lord.  Paul requested prayers from the church that they would pray he would remain courageous and faithful to God’s will.  Do we do the same?  Do we pray for courage?  Do we pray that we too would have the courage to say no to our desires and temptations?  Do we have the courage to stand up for what is right and pure?  Do we have the courage to serve in the kingdom and to share the story of Jesus with those who are lost?  When we look at the great stories of courage from the Bible, we discover true courage is not from within us but from God.  So how do we find courage?  How do we obtain it?  Do we pray for it like Paul did?  We ask others to hold us accountable, and that they would pray we would be strong and courageous in the Lord.  Finally, don’t forget to read your Bible to be reminded of how God gives His people sufficient courage to do His will each day.  Remember He is faithful.  It is His strength we lean on.  It is His power that brings victory; therefore our courage in Him will lead us into victory each and everyday. - Vic

Why Do You Yell At The TV?

“24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV

Do you yell at your television?  I do.  It’s not the TV’s fault, in fact it isn’t even the TV that I am yelling at.  I’m yelling at my team, the Houston Texans.  Why did the quarterback throw that horrible pass that resulted in a pick six?  Why did the defense line up in the neutral zone on third and one?  Why?  Why?!   Okay, I need to calm down, catch my breath and then ask myself; “why am I so upset?  It is kind of funny that we can see the failure of others along with the areas where they could improve, and yet fail to see our own faults and shortcomings.  Imagine if we could take the passion of a fan for his favorite team and had that same passion for personal spiritual growth?  When Paul gives us the illustration of the athlete in 1^st Corinthians 9, he helps us notice that it is important that the athlete train with purpose, to prepare himself to compete and win.  The commitment and passion an athlete must have to be successful is hard imagine and yet we see the results of their commitment at events like the Olympics or the Super Bowl. 

Let’s use the passion that we exhibit while watching our favorite team play for something greater than yelling at the TV, let’s use that passion to commit ourselves daily to train for the prize.  To read our Bible, to think ways we can apply it’s message in our daily routine, to pray often through out each day, and to commit to loving the people around us the way God loves them.  If we commit to that kind of training, there is no doubt we will receive the prize that lasts forever!

- Vic